What is the difference between celexa and lexapro?

Lexapro is supposedly "more effective" or specifically "approved" for treating "Generalized Anxiety Disorder". However, Lexapro is very similar to Celexa on a molecular level. Celexa is now available as a generic... and Lexapro started being promoted/heavily marked just afterwards (and Lexapro won't be available as a generic until the patent expires in either 2012 or 2013).

Celexa = citalopram... Lexapro = escitalopram

I take 10 mg of Lexapro daily (for OCD and GAD) and a 1 month supply (thirty 10mg tablets) costs about $90 at Costco (no health insurance). I wish I had tried Celexa first... since approx 30mg of Celexa is similar equivalent... and 1 month supply costs less than $15 at Costco.

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Don't know if this helps... but if given a choice and cost is a factor... I would try Celexa first. I recently tried to switch from Lexapro to Celexa (due to their supposed similarity and trying to save $$) and experienced severe serotonin withdrawal symptoms... ultimately going right back to the Lexapro.

Best wishes and good luck!